If you’ve purchased a washing machine or dishwasher in the last few years, your model probably includes economy settings. Now’s a good time to ask, have you ever used the appliance in conservation mode? Why or why not? There can be good reasons to use, or not use, the eco-settings on your plumbing installations. Read on to learn more about when economy settings are a good idea, and when they could actually end up costing you more in utility bills.
Save Energy, Water and the Environment
Take a look at a list of Energy Star-certified dishwashers, washing machines and hot water heaters. Just about every model has a setting allowing you to conserve more. At their ideal eco-settings, you can save money twice – once for a reduction in water consumption, and once again by using less electricity or gas to heat the water. You get that, plus the satisfaction of reducing your contribution to lessening municipal reservoirs and climate-changing carbon emissions.
However, there’s another side to the economy setting story – in some cases, the option can decrease the performance of the appliance to a point where it doesn’t meet your standards. If the eco-setting can’t accomplish the job it was designed for, it won’t do you much good for saving water, energy or money. For example, if the dishwasher or washing machine doesn’t get things clean the first time, you’ll have to run it again, using more energy than you would have if you operated it in the normal mode.
Let the Buyer Beware
Where you can really run into trouble with economy settings is if you purchase an appliance based on its conservation claims, only to find that the reduced power mode doesn’t perform satisfactorily. In many cases, you may be better off buying a different unit. This is why it’s important to look beyond the Energy Star rating. Check out consumer reviews so you’ll get a sense of how the products have worked for other people.
Finally, don’t forget your own behavior plays a role in an appliance’s performance. If you overload a washer or dishwasher, or use inappropriate settings for the task, they might not work properly whether in economy mode or not. Make sure you follow all the manufacturer’s instructions before deciding that the eco-setting is what is causing the problem.
Choosing Wisely from a Wealth of Plumbing Installations
Finding a model that works for you can be tricky with so many appliance options. If you need help picking out economical appliances or plumbing installations, get in touch with an expert plumber today.
